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OBJECTIVE: Health literacy is a critical health determinant, for which few computerized, self-administered assessments exist. This study adapted and tested the reliability of the Newest Vital Sign© (NVS) as a computerized, self-administered health literacy screener. METHODS: Phase one involved 33 participants to create response options for a computerized, self-administered NVS (C-NVS). Phase two was a randomized crossover trial to test the consistency of C-NVS and original, interviewer-administered NVS (I-NVS) scores in 89 participants. RESULTS: Linear mixed-effects regression model results showed a significant carryover effect (p

BACKGROUND: There has been a significant increase in methamphetamine use and methamphetamine use disorder (Meth UD) in the United States, with evolving racial and ethnic differences. OBJECTIVES: This secondary analysis explored racial and ethnic differences in baseline sociodemographic and clinical characteristics as well as treatment effects on a measure of substance use recovery, depression symptoms, and methamphetamine craving among participants in a pharmacotherapy trial for Meth UD. METHODS: The ADAPT-2 trial (ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT03078075; N=403; 69% male) was a multisite, 12-week randomized, double-blind, trial that employed a two-stage sequential parallel design to evaluate the efficacy of combination naltrexone (NTX) and oral bupropion (BUP) vs. placebo for Meth UD. Treatment effect was calculated as the weighted mean change in outcomes in the NTX-BUP minus placebo group across the two stages of treatment. RESULTS: Of the 403 participants in the ADAPT-2 trial, the majority (65%) reported non-Hispanic White, while 14%, 11% and 10% reported Hispanic, non-Hispanic Black, and non-Hispanic other racial and ethnic categories respectively. At baseline non-Hispanic Black participants reported less severe indicators of methamphetamine use than non-Hispanic White. Treatment effects for recovery, depression symptoms and methamphetamine cravings did not significantly differ by race and ethnicity. CONCLUSIONS: Although we found racial and ethnic differences at baseline, our findings did not show racial and ethnic differences in treatment effects of NTX-BUP on recovery, depression symptoms and methamphetamine cravings. However, our findings also highlight the need to expand representation of racial and ethnic minority groups in future trials.

Introduction Among women at risk for alcohol-exposed pregnancies (AEP), smoking tobacco may be associated with increased severity of alcohol use, and risk for tobacco-exposed and other substance-exposed pregnancies (TEPs/SEPs). Our secondary data analysis of the ‘CHOICES Plus’ intervention trial explored AEP and SEP risk by smoking status. Material and Methods Eligible women (N=261) were recruited from 12 primary care clinics in a public healthcare system, not pregnant, aged 18–44 years, drinking >3 drinks/ day or >7 drinks/week, sexually active, and not using effective contraception. We compared women who did and did not smoke tobacco on alcohol and drug severity, and psychological distress (e.g. anxiety) at baseline. Results Participants were primarily Hispanic (47.1%) or non-Hispanic Black (41.8%) and reported incomes

IntroductionMethamphetamine (MA) use is marked by high rates of comorbid tobacco smoking, which is associated with more severe drug use and worse clinical outcomes compared to single use of either drug. Research has shown the combination of naltrexone plus oral bupropion (NTX-BUP) improves smoking cessation outcomes in non-MA-using populations. In the Accelerated Development of Additive Pharmacotherapy Treatment (ADAPT-2) study, NTX-BUP successfully reduced MA use. Our aim in this secondary data analysis was to examine changes in cigarette smoking among the subgroup of participants reporting comorbid tobacco use in the ADAPT-2 trial.MethodsThe multi-site ADAPT-2 study used a randomized, double blind, sequential parallel comparison design to evaluate treatment with extended-release injectable NTX (380 mg every 3 weeks) combined with once-daily oral extended-release BUP (450 mg/day) vs matching injectable and oral placebo in outpatients with moderate or severe MA use disorder. The study assessed smoking outcomes, based on self-reported timeline followback (TLFB) data, twice/week for 13 weeks.ResultsOf the 403 participants in the ADAPT-2 trial, 290 reported being current cigarette smokers (71.9 %). The study found significant differences (p's

Introduction: Limited health literacy - the ability to access, process, and use health information and services - contributes to persistent health inequities. Yet little is known about associations of limited health literacy with impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly for US adults in rural areas. This study sought to determine associations of limited health literacy with impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic among a diverse sample of adults in rural Northern Arizona. Methods: A cross-sectional, interviewer-administered survey was conducted with 119 adults from June 2020 to August 2021. Participants were recruited from two federally qualified health centers and by word of mouth. The Newest Vital Sign was used to measure health literacy, and the Epidemic-Pandemic Impacts Inventory was used to measure the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on various aspects of personal and family life (eg spent more time on screens and devices, had family celebrations canceled or restricted). Descriptive, bivariate, and multivariable linear regression statistics were computed. Results: Nineteen percent of participants had limited health literacy, and participants had an average of 22 individual impacts and 2 household impacts of the 92 COVID-19 impacts assessed. Multivariable regression model results showed that being male versus female or having public only versus any private insurance was significantly associated with fewer individual COVID-19 impacts on average. Being black, Indigenous, people of color versus White or being Hispanic, Latino, or Spanish versus not were each associated with significantly more individual COVID-19 impacts on average. Limited versus adequate health literacy was significantly associated with more household COVID-19 impacts on average. Sensitivity analysis results further showed that limited versus adequate health literacy was associated with significantly higher adjusted rates of household social, emotional, and infection COVID-19 impacts. Conclusion: This study's findings highlight the importance of assessing and accounting for health literacy in clinical practice and health services research addressing the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and future emergency events.

Objective: Health literacy is a critical health determinant, for which few computerized, self-administered assessments exist. This study adapted and tested the reliability of the Newest Vital Sign© (NVS) as a computerized, self-administered health literacy screener. Methods: Phase one involved 33 participants to create response options for a computerized, self-administered NVS (C-NVS). Phase two was a randomized crossover trial to test the consistency of C-NVS and original, interviewer-administered NVS (I-NVS) scores in 89 participants. Results: Linear mixed-effects regression model results showed a significant carryover effect (p

Background: There has been a significant increase in methamphetamine use and methamphetamine use disorder (Meth UD) in the United States, with evolving racial and ethnic differences. Objectives: This secondary analysis explored racial and ethnic differences in baseline sociodemographic and clinical characteristics as well as treatment effects on a measure of substance use recovery, depression symptoms, and methamphetamine craving among participants in a pharmacotherapy trial for Meth UD. Methods: The ADAPT-2 trial (ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT03078075; N=403; 69% male) was a multisite, 12-week randomized, double-blind, trial that employed a two-stage sequential parallel design to evaluate the efficacy of combination naltrexone (NTX) and oral bupropion (BUP) vs. placebo for Meth UD. Treatment effect was calculated as the weighted mean change in outcomes in the NTX-BUP minus placebo group across the two stages of treatment. Results: Of the 403 participants in the ADAPT-2 trial, the majority (65%) reported non-Hispanic White, while 14%, 11% and 10% reported Hispanic, non-Hispanic Black, and non-Hispanic other racial and ethnic categories respectively. At baseline non-Hispanic Black participants reported less severe indicators of methamphetamine use than non-Hispanic White. Treatment effects for recovery, depression symptoms and methamphetamine cravings did not significantly differ by race and ethnicity. Conclusions: Although we found racial and ethnic differences at baseline, our findings did not show racial and ethnic differences in treatment effects of NTX-BUP on recovery, depression symptoms and methamphetamine cravings. However, our findings also highlight the need to expand representation of racial and ethnic minority groups in future trials.

ObjectiveTobacco residue, also known as third-hand smoke (THS), contains toxicants and lingers in dust and on surfaces and clothes. THS also remains on hands of individuals who smoke, with potential transfer to infants during visitation while infants are hospitalized in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs), raising concerns (e.g., hindered respiratory development) for vulnerable infants. Previously unexplored, this study tested handwashing (HW) and sanitization efficacy for finger-nicotine removal in a sample of adults who smoked and were visiting infants in an NICU.Study designA cross-sectional sample was recruited to complete an interview, carbon monoxide breath samples, and three nicotine wipes of separate fingers (thumb, index, and middle). Eligible participants (n = 14) reported current smoking (verified with breath samples) and were randomly assigned to 30 seconds of HW (n = 7) or alcohol-based sanitization (n = 7), with the order of finger wipes both counterbalanced and randomly assigned. After randomization, the first finger was wiped for nicotine. Participants then washed or sanitized their hands and finger two was wiped 5 minutes later. An interview assessing tobacco/nicotine use and exposure was then administered, followed by a second breath sample and the final finger wipe (40-60 minutes after washing/sanitizing).ResultsGeneralized linear mixed models found that HW was more effective than sanitizer for nicotine removal but failed to completely remove nicotine.ConclusionsWithout proper protections (e.g., wearing gloves and gowns), NICU visitors who smoke may inadvertently expose infants to THS. Research on cleaning protocols are needed to protect vulnerable medical populations from THS and associated risks.Key points· NICU infants may be exposed to THS via visitors.. · THS is not eliminated by HW or sanitizing.. · THS removal protections for NICU infants are needed..

Background: Type I myocardial infarction (T1MI) or type II myocardial infarction (T2MI) have different underlying mechanisms; however, in the setting of cardiogenic shock (CS), it is not understood if patients experience resultantly different outcomes. The objective of this study was to determine clinical features, biomarker patterns, and outcomes in these subgroups. Methods: Patients from the CAPITAL-DOREMI trial presenting with acute myocardial infarction-associated CS (n = 103) were classified as T1MI (n = 61) or T2MI (n = 42). The primary endpoint was a composite of all-cause in-hospital mortality, cardiac arrest, the need for mechanical circulatory support, or initiation of renal replacement therapy at 30 days. Secondary endpoints were evaluated as individual components of the primary endpoint. Results: Patients with T1MI CS did not have a higher incidence of the primary composite endpoint compared with T2MI CS (adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 1.63; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.96-2.77; P = 0.07). Cardiac biomarkers including troponin I (P < 0.001), and creatine kinase levels (P = 0.001) were elevated in patients with T1MI CS compared with T2MI. Furthermore, patients with T1MI CS presented with decreased urine output (P = 0.01) compared with T2MI. Predictors of T2MI CS included nonischemic ventricular dysfunction (P = 0.002), atrial fibrillation (P = 0.02), and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (P = 0.002). Conclusions: There were no differences in adverse clinical outcomes between patients with T1MI and T2MI CS, although the events were numerically increased, and the sample size was small. Overall, this study provides a hypothesis-generating analysis regarding the clinical and biochemical outcomes in T1MI vs T2MI CS. Résumé: Introduction: L’infarctus du myocarde de type 1 (IMT1) et l’infarctus du myocarde de type 2 (IMT2) ont des mécanismes sous-jacents différents. Toutefois, dans le contexte du choc cardiogénique (CC), nous ignorons si les patients ont donc des résultats cliniques différents. Les objectifs de la présente étude étaient de déterminer les caractéristiques cliniques, les profils des biomarqueurs et les résultats cliniques dans ces sous-groupes. Méthodes: Les patients de l’essai CAPITAL-DOREMI qui présentaient un CC associé à un infarctus aigu du myocarde (n = 103) étaient classifiés dans le sous-groupe IMT1 (n = 61) ou dans le sous-groupe IMT2 (n = 42). Le critère de jugement principal était un critère composite qui regroupait la mortalité à l’hôpital toutes causes confondues, l’arrêt cardiaque, la nécessité d’une assistance circulatoire mécanique ou l’amorce d’une thérapie de remplacement rénal dans les 30 jours. Les critères secondaires étaient évalués en fonction des composantes individuelles du critère de jugement principal. Résultats: Les patients qui avaient un CC-IMT1 n’avaient pas une plus grande fréquence de survenue du critère de jugement principal composite que les patients qui avaient un CC-IMT2 (rapport de risque [RR] ajusté, 1,63 ; intervalle de confiance [IC] à 95 %, 0,96-2,77 ; P = 0,07). Les biomarqueurs cardiaques dont les concentrations de la troponine I (P < 0,001) et de la créatine kinase (P = 0,001) étaient élevées chez les patients qui avaient un CC-IMT1, mais non chez les patients qui avaient un CC-IMT2. De plus, les patients qui avaient eu un CC-IMT1 avaient une diurèse réduite (P = 0,01), mais non les patients qui avaient un CC-IMT2. Les prédicteurs du CC-IMT2 étaient la dysfonction ventriculaire non ischémique (P = 0,002), la fibrillation auriculaire (P = 0,02) et la maladie pulmonaire obstructive chronique (P = 0,002). Conclusions: Il n’y avait aucune différence dans les résultats cliniques défavorables entre les patients qui avaient un CC-IMT1 et les patients qui avaient un CC-IMT2, bien que les événements aient augmenté en nombre, et que la taille de l’échantillon était petite. Dans l’ensemble, cette étude fournit une analyse de génération d’hypothèses quant aux résultats cliniques et biochimiques du CC-IMT1 vs du CC-IMT2.

Caregiver strain is the adverse impact that parents of children with emotional and behavioral issues including autism often experience (e.g. negative consequences of caregiving such as financial strain and social isolation; negative feelings that are internal to the caregiver such as worry and guilt; and negative feelings directed toward the child such as anger or resentment). This study showed that on average caregiver strain did not significantly change in North American parents of children with autism during a 2-year period. Improved caregiver strain was linked to improved child functioning and behavior. Routine assessment of caregiver strain and referral to evidence-based programming and supports may help alleviate some of the burden that families of children with autism commonly experience.

BackgroundWhile there is significant research exploring adults' use of opioids, there has been minimal focus on the opioid impact within emergency departments for the pediatric population.MethodsWe examined data from the Agency for Healthcare Research, the National Emergency Department Sample (NEDS), and death data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Sociodemographic and financial variables were analyzed for encounters during 2014-2017 for patients under age 18, matching diagnoses codes for opioid-related overdose or opioid use disorder.ResultsDuring this period, 59,658 children presented to an ED for any diagnoses involving opioids. The majority (68.5%) of visits were related to overdoses (poisoning), with a mean age of 11.3 years and a majority female (53%). There was a curvilinear relationship between age and encounters, with teens representing the majority of visits, followed by infants. The highest volume was seen in the Southern U.S., with over 58% more opioid visits than the next highest region (Midwest). Charges exceeded USD 157 million, representing 2% of total ED costs, with Medicaid responsible for 54% of the total.ConclusionsWith increases in substance use among children, there is a growing need for pediatric emergency physicians to recognize, refer, and initiate treatments.

Endometritis (inflammation of the endometrial lining) is one of the most devastating reproductive diseases in dairy cattle, resulting in substantial production loss and causing more than $650 million in lost revenue annually in the USA. We hypothesize that alternative polyadenylation (APA) sites serve as decisive sensors for endometrium health and disease in dairy cows. Endometrial cells collected from 18 cows with purulent vaginal discharge scored 0 to 2 were used for APA profiling with our whole transcriptome termini site sequencing (WTTS-seq) method. Overall, pathogens trigger hosts to use more differentially expressed APA (DE-APA), more intronic DE-APA, more DE-APA sites per gene and more DE-genes associated with inflammation. Host CD59 molecule (CD59), Fc fragment of IgG receptor IIa (FCGR2A), lymphocyte antigen 75 (LY75) and plasminogen (PLG) may serve as initial contacts or combats with pathogens on cell surface, followed by activation of nuclear receptor subfamily 1 group H member 4 (NR1H4) to regulate AXL receptor tyrosine kinase (AXL), FGR proto-oncogene, Src family tyrosine kinase (FGR), HCK proto-oncogene, Src family tyrosine kinase (HCK) and integrin subunit beta 2 (ITGB2) for anti-inflammation. This study is the first to show significance of cilium pathways in endometrium health and animal reproduction. MIR21 and MIR30A would be perfect antagonistic biomarkers for diagnosis of either inflammation or anti-inflammation. These novel findings will set precedent for future genomic studies to aid the dairy industry develop new strategies to reduce endometritis incidence and improve fertility.

ObjectivesSynthetic datasets are artificially manufactured based on real health systems data but do not contain real patient information. We sought to validate the use of synthetic data in stroke and cancer research by conducting a comparison study of cancer patients with ischemic stroke to non-cancer patients with ischemic stroke.Designretrospective cohort study.SettingWe used synthetic data generated by MDClone and compared it to its original source data (i.e. real patient data from the Ottawa Hospital Data Warehouse).Outcome measuresWe compared key differences in demographics, treatment characteristics, length of stay, and costs between cancer patients with ischemic stroke and non-cancer patients with ischemic stroke. We used a binary, multivariable logistic regression model to identify risk factors for recurrent stroke in the cancer population.ResultsUsing synthetic data, we found cancer patients with ischemic stroke had a lower prevalence of hypertension (52.0% in the cancer cohort vs 57.7% in the non-cancer cohort, pConclusionWe demonstrated the utility of synthetic data in stroke and cancer research and provided key differences between cancer and non-cancer patients with ischemic stroke. Synthetic data is a powerful tool that can allow researchers to easily explore hypothesis generation, enable data sharing without privacy breaches, and ensure broad access to big data in a rapid, safe, and reliable fashion.

Novel metal ceramic multilayer composites with the ability to phase transform into a single phase ultra-high temperature ceramic are described. These materials offer enhanced low-temperature fracture toughness and reliability without sacrificing high-temperature mechanical properties by eliminating the metal reinforcement layers upon reaching temperatures sufficient for the activation of carbon diffusion. At low temperatures, these materials are practically indefinitely stable because of the high activation energy for carbon diffusion in the carbide layers that control the phase transformation kinetics. Here, knowledge of the overall thermodynamics, i.e., carbon content, is combined with prediction of phase transformation kinetics and toughening in the limit of small-scale yielding to characterize the design space of these novel composites. It is proposed that the ability to control thermodynamic and mechanical properties of the post-transformation ceramic via selection of metal-to-ceramic layer ratios makes these novel composites an excellent alternative to current methods for reinforcement of ultra-high temperature ceramics.

IntroductionMicrobiome differences have been found in adults who smoke cigarettes compared to non-smoking adults, but the impact of thirdhand smoke (THS; post-combustion tobacco residue) on hospitalized infants' rapidly developing gut microbiomes is unexplored. Our aim was to explore gut microbiome differences in infants admitted to a neonatal ICU (NICU) with varying THS-related exposure.MethodsForty-three mother-infant dyads (household member[s] smoke cigarettes, n = 32; no household smoking, n = 11) consented to a carbon monoxide-breath sample, bedside furniture nicotine wipes, infant-urine samples (for cotinine [nicotine's primary metabolite] assays), and stool collection (for 16S rRNA V4 gene sequencing). Negative binomial regression modeled relative abundances of 8 bacterial genera with THS exposure-related variables (i.e., household cigarette use, surface nicotine, and infant urine cotinine), controlling for gestational age, postnatal age, antibiotic use, and breastmilk feeding. Microbiome-diversity outcomes were modeled similarly. Bayesian posterior probabilities (PP) ≥75.0% were considered meaningful.ResultsA majority of infants (78%) were born pre-term. Infants from non-smoking homes and/or with lower NICU-furniture surface nicotine had greater microbiome alpha-diversity compared to infants from smoking households (PP ≥ 75.0%). Associations (with PP ≥ 75.0%) of selected bacterial genera with urine cotinine, surface nicotine, and/or household cigarette use were evidenced for 7 (of 8) modeled genera. For example, lower Bifidobacterium relative abundance associated with greater furniture nicotine (IRR

IntroductionThirdhand smoke (THS) is ultrafine particulate matter and residue resulting from tobacco combustion, with implications for health-related harm (eg, impaired wound healing), particularly among hospitalized infants. Project aims were to characterize nicotine (THS proxy) transported on neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) visitors and deposited on bedside furniture, as well as infant exposure.MethodsCross-sectional data were collected from participants in a metropolitan NICU. Participants completed a survey and carbon monoxide breath sample, and 41.9% (n = 88) of participants (n = 210) were randomly selected for finger-nicotine wipes during a study phase when all bedside visitors were screened for nicotine use and finger-nicotine levels. During an overlapping study phase, 80 mother-infant dyads consented to bedside furniture-nicotine wipes and an infant urine sample (for cotinine analyses).ResultsMost nonstaff visitors' fingers had nicotine above the limit of quantification (>LOQ; 61.9%). Almost all bedside furniture surfaces (93.8%) and infant cotinine measures (93.6%) had values >LOQ, regardless of household nicotine use. Participants who reported using (or lived with others who used) nicotine had greater furniture-nicotine contamination (Mdn = 0.6 [interquartile range, IQR = 0.2-1.6] µg/m2) and higher infant cotinine (Mdn = 0.09 [IQR = 0.04-0.25] ng/mL) compared to participants who reported no household-member nicotine use (Mdn = 0.5 [IQR = 0.2-0.7] µg/m2; Mdn = 0.04 [IQR = 0.03-0.07] ng/mL, respectively). Bayesian univariate regressions supported hypotheses that increased nicotine use/exposure correlated with greater nicotine contamination (on fingers/furniture) and infant THS exposure.ConclusionsPotential furniture-contamination pathways and infant-exposure routes (eg, dermal) during NICU hospitalization were identified, despite hospital prohibitions on tobacco/nicotine use. This work highlights the surreptitious spread of nicotine and potential THS-related health risks to vulnerable infants during critical stages of development.ImplicationsTHS contamination is underexplored in medical settings. Infants who were cared for in the NICU are vulnerable to health risks from THS exposure. This study demonstrated that 62% of nonstaff NICU visitors transport nicotine on their fingers to the NICU. Over 90% of NICU (bedside) furniture was contaminated with nicotine, regardless of visitors' reported household-member nicotine use or nonuse. Over 90% of infants had detectable levels of urinary cotinine during NICU hospitalizations. Results justify further research to better protect infants from unintended THS exposure while hospitalized.

Introduction: Patients with severe, symptomatic carotid stenosis can have their subsequent stroke risk reduced by surgical intervention if performed soon after a transient ischemic attack (TIA) or stroke. Patients presenting to an emergency department (ED) without computed tomography angiography (CTA) with TIA/stroke, may require transfer to another hospital for imaging to rule out carotid artery stenosis. The objective of this study was to determine the test characteristics of carotid artery point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) in detecting greater than 50% stenosis in patients presenting with TIA/stroke.Methods: We conducted a prospective cohort study on a convenience sample of adult patients presenting to a comprehensive stroke centre with TIA or stroke between June–October 2017. Carotid POCUS was performed. Primary outcome measure, stenosis ≥ 50%, was determined by the final radiology report of CTA. A blinded POCUS expert separately reviewed the archived carotid POCUS scans. We calculated sensitivity and specificity for stenosis ≥ 50%.Results: We conducted POCUS on 75 patients, of which 70 were included in our analyses. Of those 70, 14.3% were diagnosed with greater than 50% stenosis. Carotid POCUS performed as follows: sensitivity 70.0% (95% confidence interval [CI], 34.8%-93.3%); specificity 86.7% (95% CI, 75.4%-94.1%); positive likelihood ratio (LR +) 5.3 (95% CI, 1.2-9.3); negative likelihood ratio (LR -) 0.4 (95% CI, 0.0-0.7). The inter-rater reliability between POCUS performer interpretation and expert interpretation had moderate agreement (k = 0.68). Scans took a mean 6.2 ± 2.2 minutes to complete.Conclusion: Carotid POCUS has low to moderate association with CTA for detection of carotid artery stenosis ≥ 50%. Further research and investigation is needed prior to widespread use of carotid POCUS in patients with acute cerebral ischemia. Additionally, external validity is likely affected by availability of training, maintenance of competency, and experience in more rural centres.

Abstract Background Cisgender (cis) Black women in the USA are more likely to become HIV positive during their lifetime than other women. We developed and implemented a behavioral intervention, Increasing PrEP (iPrEP), the first pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) aimed at motivating cis Black women to be willing to use PrEP for HIV prevention and attend an initial PrEP clinic visit following an emergency department visit. Methods Eligible participants were Black cisgender women ages 18–55 years who acknowledged recent condomless sex and substance use. Participants were randomized to iPrEP or usual care (UC). iPrEP is a survey-based intervention designed to raise awareness and knowledge about PrEP. Participants completed an assessment of knowledge of and willingness to use PrEP before and after the intervention, then received a warm-hand off with referral to a local PrEP clinic. Enrolled participants were followed for 6 months. Results Forty enrolled participants were ages 18–54 years. Education levels varied evenly between some high school education and graduate education. Most participants were single (n = 25) or married (n = 7). Twenty-two participants were employed full-time. Pre-test results indicated that 21 of 40 participants had heard of PrEP. All participants identified PrEP as a daily HIV prevention medication. For those randomized to iPrEP, the odds of knowing about PrEP at post-test, when controlling for baseline, were higher relative to UC (OR = 5.22, 95%CrI = 0.50, 94.1]. iPrEP did not have any effect on willingness relative to UC. The estimate for iPrEP on willingness is marginally higher (4.16 vs. 4.04; i.e., 0.12 points higher); however, the posterior probability of 67.9% does not suggest a strong degree of evidence in favor of an effect. During the post-test, those receiving iPrEP were less ready to take PrEP than those receiving UC. Conclusions Findings suggest that iPrEP increased knowledge about the PrEP medication but had a negative impact on readiness to take PrEP relative to UC. It is imperative that future research among cisgender Black women carefully considers the content provided in interventions designed to increase PrEP use, balancing the benefits of PrEP with the side effects and daily pill burden. Trial registration: clinicaltrial.gov Identifier: NCT03930654, 29/04/2019.

Abstract Background Pregnant Mexican Americans (hereafter called Latinas) and Black/African American women are at increased risk for psychological distress, contributing to preterm birth and low birthweight; acculturative stress combined with perceived stress elevates depressive symptoms in Latinas. Based on our prior research using a psychoneuroimmunology framework, we identified psychological and neuroendocrine risk factors as predictors of preterm birth in Latina women that are also identified as risk factors for Black/African American women. Methods/design In this prospective, randomized controlled trial with parallel group design we will explore psychosocial, neuroendocrine, and birth outcome effects of the Mastery Lifestyle Intervention (MLI). The MLI is a culturally relevant, manualized, psychosocial, group intervention integrating two cognitive behavioral therapies for both pregnant Latinas and Black/African American women (total n = 221). Study inclusion criteria are: women with current pregnancy at 14–20 weeks gestation, ability to read and speak English or Spanish, self-identify as Latina of Mexican heritage or Black/African American, 18–45 years old, born in the US or Mexico, and currently living in the US. Participants must receive Medicaid or other government-supported insurance, and meet screening criteria for anxiety, depressive symptoms, or stress. Participants are randomly assigned to either the intervention (MLI) or usual care group (UCG) in groups of 6–8 participants that occur over 6 consecutive weeks. Data are collected at 3 time points: enrollment (14–20 weeks gestation), following treatment (20–26 weeks), and 6 weeks after treatment (32–36 weeks gestation). Additional outcome, mediating, and moderating data are collected from the electronic health record during pregnancy and at birth. Analyses will primarily use generalized linear mixed modeling (GLMM) to evaluate the relationships between predictors and outcomes. Discussion This RCT will test the efficacy of two combined third generation cognitive behavioral therapies (the MLI), given in a group format over 6 sessions, as compared to a usual prenatal care group, for both Latina and African American pregnant women. If efficacious, it may be provided as an adjunct to routine prenatal care and improve mental health, as well as babies being born too small and too soon. Trial registration The trial was retrospectively registered at ClinicalTrials.gov . Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine. Identifier NCT05012072 , Reducing Pregnancy Risks: The Mastery Lifestyle Intervention (MLI); August 19, 2021. The trial is currently recruiting participants.

The kinetics of the carbon-diffusion-controlled Me/MeC phase transformation in transition metal carbide metal ceramic multilayer composites were investigated using mesoscale and continuum level modeling. To track the metal-ceramic interface the phase transformation was modeled as a Stephan problem wherein the interface was treated as a moving boundary controlled by the bulk and interfacial diffusion of carbon. Simulations were allowed to continue until the disappearance of the metal layers whereupon an effective diffusivity relating the bilayer width, transformation time, and temperature was calculated. The effective diffusivity data was subsequently used to develop a coarse-grained model capable of predicting phase transformation characteristics and providing valuable insight into the parameters that control the phase transformation.